As a pet parent, it is a nightmare to see your dog suffer. Your furbaby is more than a canine companion but is considered a part of your family. Sadly, the dreaded big C or cancer is not just a human illness. It can also inflict man’s best friend, with stats indicating that dogs have a 50/50 chance of getting it. If your pooch happens to be facing this life-threatening problem, you are not alone. Many pet families worry about their four-legged family member, and so many have sought alternative therapies such as CBD oil.
CBD Oil as Therapy
Right now, apart from traditional treatments, pet parents consider alternative therapies because they are more gentle yet effective on dogs with cancer. It makes sense to try CBD for pets because when you conduct a situation analysis, it has become increasingly popular for treating human cancer and other diseases. As such, using this product for your canine is a natural progression. After all, CBD is effective, has fewer side effects, and doesn’t break the bank.
That being said, you must be well informed to make an educated decision. Though clinical trials for CBD in dog cancer treatment are still in the early stages, you can already see so much anecdotal evidence from fellow pet parents who use CBD successfully. Early research results indicate that it can significantly reduce pain while improving your furbaby’s quality of life. To discover how CBD can potentially help your dog fight cancer, read on below.
Defining CBD
CBD is a nickname for cannabidiol, which some call cannabinoids. It is a natural compound that you’ll find in the Cannabis Sativa or hemp plant. This component is extracted from the plant then mixed with oil, resulting in the premium CBD oil in the market.
Unlike THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is non-psychoactive, so it doesn’t produce that intoxicating high that is commonly associated with marijuana. Though CBD and marijuana are harvested from the same plant, the two have different properties. CBD oils have higher amounts of CBD with minimal THC.
As such, this is non-habit forming with no highs. Today, people rely on it to alleviate pain, minimize swelling, improve anxiety disorders, and more. And responsible pet owners use this as an alternative and complementary treatment to make their dogs feel better.
The Benefits of CBD Oil in Dogs
For years, many dog owners use CBD oil to treat pain and a broad range of illnesses, including cancer. CBD oil interacts with your pet’s endocannabinoid system so it can help manage pain. CBD oils’ popularity as a cancer treatment is not surprising because no one wants to see their beloved family member suffering.
CBD oil is touted for helping prolong your dog’s life while minimizing pain. You’ll see many pet owners administer CBD oil as a supplementary treatment with more traditional therapies. Some studies indicate that CBD is useful for dogs with cancer because it can lead to apoptosis or the death of cancer cells. It impedes tumor growth and the spread of disease in other organs.
That being said, CBD as a complete cancer treatment is still not proven because medical trials are in the early stage. But since cancer treatment for dogs is expensive, many pet owners have tried CBD oil as it is effective and cost-efficient. You can also try to administer CBD to your pet because apart from pain management and reducing inflammation, CBD oil can boost your dog’s appetite, which is the first thing that diminishes when anyone becomes sick.
Noteworthy, cancer treatment also comes with a host of side effects like vomiting, fur loss, appetite suppression, and weakness. In contrast, CBD has minimal risks. Though more studies need to be conducted on the nuances of CBD as a cancer cure, it will remain at the forefront of being an effective pain relief medication.
How It Works
Dogs possess cannabinoid receptors which produce natural cannabinoids in the body. It is part of the endocannabinoid system, just like in humans, which influences mood, pain management, memory, and other cognitive functions. CBD oil works by replicating the effects of cannabinoids. It encourages your dog’s body to naturally produce more cannabinoids which help manage debilitating cancer symptoms like pain and swelling.
Although more scientific studies need to be made, it is already well-founded that cancer is a disease that upsets the endocannabinoid system. Through CBD oil treatment, this system can be regulated and manipulated. It has the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells while preventing the further development of blood vessels in tumors. With significantly reduced vessels, access to nutrition coming from blood circulation is blocked. Hence, starvation impedes tumor growth.
Final Wrap Up
If you are considering CBD as an added therapy for your dog with cancer, you’ll be pleased to know that CBD for dogs comes in many forms. Its most potent variety is CBD oil which can be given directly into the mouth, mixed with dog food to mask the taste, or as dog treats CBD. After consulting your vet, it is best to start with the smallest dosage and track the results in a journal. You can always increase the dose if the situation calls for it.
Additionally, CBD also comes in the form of dog treats, which is well-tolerated because dogs love getting rewards. Some use CBD via skincare as a way to help dogs feel good inside out. Again, for the most optimal results, consult with your vet to ensure you get the best possible care for your beloved pooch.
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